Wild and Wonderful. There’s no better way to describe the pristine beauty of Coopers Rock State Forest. Located 13 miles from Morgantown, this 12,447 forest spans two counties and abounds with family fun. You’ll find outdoor activities for all ages and skill levels, from strenuous hiking to a relaxing picnic.
Coopers Rock State Forest
Guests of Coopers Rock State Forest can discover something new during every visit. “I’ve been here three years,” says one of the Park Rangers “and I’ve only seen one-third of the forest. Only a few weeks ago I found an old picnic area almost reclaimed by the forest.” Adam Polinski, our guide from the Coopers Rock Foundation, agrees. He’s been visiting since the 1980s and still hasn’t explored the entire forest.
History:
There’s a history of mystery lingering in Coopers Rock State Forest. Legend says that a fugitive, a cooper by trade, made his home in these mountains. From his hideout near the present-day overlook, he continued to make and sell barrels.
During the 1800s the area became known for its production of iron. The remains of the Henry Clay Furnace, the first steam-powered blast furnace in West Virginia, can still be found along the Clay Run Trail.
The forest was established in 1936. Many of the original structures, made of stone and American chestnut, were constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Eleven of these buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
Activities:
*Hiking: Cooper’s Rock State Forest has 21 trails covering over 50 miles. The hikes range in skill levels of easy to difficult. In the mood for an easy hike? Try the Rock City Trail. This short 0.7-mile hike runs from shelter #3 to a small canyon known as “Rock City,” a popular area for rock climbing and bouldering.
*Biking- Rather bike than hike? Bring your bike and explore the 50 miles of trails. Kids will have a blast biking the easy 0.7- mile Nature Walk Trail, which starts and ends at the McCollum Campground playground.
*Geocaching- -Grab your GPS equipped smartphone and search for the 14 geocaching sites scattered throughout the forest. Along the way, you can spot birds and other wildlife (possibly deer, squirrels, and chipmunks) who call the forest home.
Fishing -Try your luck fishing for trout, bass, and bluegill in Coopers Lake. This six-acre pond is restocked several times a year; once in February, twice in October, and every two weeks from March to May.
Rock Climbing-Known for the hundreds of boulders scattered throughout the park, Coopers Rock State Forest has climbing opportunities for all skill levels.
Bouldering– A popular activity similar to rock climbing, bouldering is done on paths less than 20 feet high. Traditional gear of harnesses and ropes is not needed. You’ll find plenty of bouldering opportunities along the Rock City Trail.
Rafting-The Cheat River, cutting through the middle of Coopers Forest, is divided into three sections. The Upper Cheat River Trail is perfect for beginners and families. This forty-mile section of the Cheat River has 9 access points and only a few Class I and Class II rapids. For intermediate paddlers, Cheat Narrows, located between the Cheat River Trail and Cheat Canyon, has five miles of class II and class III rapids. Expert paddlers will get a kick out of Cheat Canyon with its thirteen miles of Class V rapids. Guided tours are available.
Camping-If you’re ready to spend some time in the mountains, Coopers Rock has a place for you. The McCollum campground has 25 spots with electrical hookups, a central bathhouse, and Wi-Fi connections. Want to commune with nature? Take advantage of the Rhododendron Campground, with 25 primitive campsites, each equipped with a picnic table and a fire pit. A centrally located bathroom is available.
Picnic Shelter built by the CCC.
Picnic Areas-Pack a lunch and dine at one of the picnic areas or one of the three historic stone picnic shelters constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Are you in the mood for a cookout? Bring your supplies and cook on one of the available grills.
Playgrounds -The kids can burn off energy at one of the playgrounds located around the park.
Coopers Rock Overlook- Only a short, mostly level 0.5 mile walk from the central parking lot, this area is known for its phenomenal views of the Cheat River and surrounding mountains.
Shot of the inside of a hollow tree at Coopers Rock State Forest.
Things To Know Before You Go:
*Coopers Rock State Forest is located at 61 County Line Drive, Bruceton Mills, West Virginia.
*If you fish, you will need a West Virginia Fishing Permit. Night fishing is not allowed.
*Coopers Rock is dog-friendly. All pets must be kept on a leash.
*Admission to the State Forest and Overlook area is free.
*Campgrounds are available Spring through Fall (usually April-December.) Maximum stay is 14 days.
*Guided Rock climbing and rappelling are available for all skill levels.
Have you visited Coopers Rock State Forest? What is your favorite trail or activity? Want to know more about Morgantown and all their attractions? Check out the Morgantown Travel Resources and Events page or their Coopers Rock Visitors Guide.
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I have never been there. But I know for sure that my husband and kids will love this forest! They enjoy hiking!
I lived in West Virginia for almost two years, but never got a chance to visit coopers rock state forest. Looks like great place for hiking and biking, river rafting.
It looks like an amazing place to visit! I love to visit new and beautiful places.
This looks like a beautiful place to visit! It seems like there a lot of fun things to do there as well.
Wow, those photos are so beautiful. I would sure love to go there sometime. I think it would be a wonderful place to visit with my family.
Wow that looks like a fun place to visit. I need to make some plans to head out there with my family, we love that area but have yet to see this, now it’s a must!
What a beautiful story. I think I won’t be bored in there because they offer lots of different activities.
This is another great spot to add to my list. My husband and I really love adventures, we are looking forward to visiting there!
My husband and I love going on adventures and although we lean towards visiting different beaches, it’s sometimes nice to find a good hiking spot. This sounds like a great one and we’d love to visit someday!
Wow, now that is an impressive forest! I love discovering new places and hiking in nature. Would love to visit one day!
That looks absolutely beautiful! That is definitely a place I need to go discover. If I ever get out that way I’m definitely going to check it out.
I’ve never visited Coopers Rock State Forest. I would love to visit with my family. It looks like such a great experience.
I am definitely pinning this! I’ve been all over WV but never to this park! How have I missed it?
My daughter was in West Virginia for a wedding last weekend. She raved at how wonderful and beautiful the state is. That makes me want to go and visit!
How neat! I love places like this because you can get some amazing photos. My daughter would so try the rock climbing.
This is a place my family would enjoy. My husband would be fishing while I’m contently reading a book. I’m sure I would find my older kiddos rock-climbing.
What beautiful scenery! I’d love to hike at Coopers Rock State Forest. It looks like a perfect place to visit in the fall.